Pathanamthitta: The dream of bringing classic Malayalam films back to life through remastering is facing a major obstacle, due to unavailability of original film prints. A lack of proper archival practices has resulted in most old Malayalam films becoming nearly impossible to locate in usable condition.

Over the past two years, several vintage Malayalam films were successfully remastered and released in theatres and digital platforms. Encouraged by this response, more production houses and enthusiasts are stepping into the remastering field. However, most efforts hit a dead end due to the unavailability of film prints.

Efforts were made to remaster iconic films like New Delhi, Chithram, Kilukkam, Thalavattam, and Dhruvam,but not a single print is available

Old film prints exist in two formats: negatives and positives. The negative is the final version of the film completed after editing and sound mixing, from which positive prints are created for theatre distribution. These negatives are usually stored in laboratories.

Unfortunately, around 80% of the negatives of Malayalam films stored in labs outside Kerala are now unusable. During the COVID-19 pandemic and in subsequent years, many labs suspended operations, and proper maintenance of film stock was neglected. As a result, most of the films became unfit for use.

Today, the only hope of reviving old films lies in locating surviving positive prints. These may have been preserved by production houses or individual collectors. However, such prints are extremely rare, and many landmark films in Malayalam cinema are believed to be lost forever. For instance, no prints have been found of Padayottam, the first 70mm Malayalam film, or Thacholi Ambu, the first cinemascope film in the language.

Modern technology does offer the ability to restore old films to crystal-clear 4K or even 8K resolution.

The loss of these films is a loss of chance for newer generations to experience the visual, thematic, and artistic richness of Malayalam cinema’s golden past.

Several individuals involved in the remastering space, for academic requirements, are now urging the public that, if anyone is in possession of old Malayalam film reels, they should come forward.